Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to
asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1 to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a connection between
asbestos lawyer exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have various symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when
asbestos compensation particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to identify. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing
Asbestos Legal-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then use a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away.